I’ve been to many North American and global reveals, but this one was short and sweet for a sensuous and sublime updated model that is clever, curated, and cutting-edge. Although it’s not a brand-new SUV and brings forward many elements from the design of previous Lincoln products and concepts, the 2024 Nautilus has been redesigned from the ground up. It is charmingly refreshing to look at and sit in. It moves the needle with numerous appealing exterior and interior design elements, a new platform, some new stand-out features and technologies, and two engine choices. 

The latest Nautilus is slightly larger than its predecessor in nearly every dimension: it’s 3.2 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and 2.0 inches taller, and its wheelbase is 2.0 inches longer, with wheel sizes that range from 19-22 inches. New is a Jet Appearance Package that enhances athletic styling, and a new Redwood interior theme is available. The mid-sizer has been at the top of the J.D. Power Loyalty scale and joins a vehicle segment that has grown by more than 43 percent. It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 and will be available in Premier, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels. It is expected to range from $51,810 to over $85,000.

The AWD-only mid-sizer seats five and has been crafted to attract new and younger buyers and keep loyal Lincoln owners with its spacious sanctuary and in-vehicle digital experiences that will include over-the-air updates. A small list of some of the top-flight items includes the 48-inch-wide “coast-to-coast” display across the bottom of the windshield that can be themed with four different graphics (Constellation, Tranquil, Engage, and Inspire); the introduction of a Lincoln Rejuvenate -an immersive digital sanctuary, designed to relax and recharge its riders with lighting and audio elements; and the more powerful and efficient 2.0 version of copilot 360 technology with built-in Amazon Alexa that will control some vehicle functions and smart home devices.

The exterior design of the new Nautilus was penned with a blend of both athletic cues and a nod to “gliding beauty” and graceful birds in flight as the vehicle travels down the road; the concept of bird wings in front and a bird path down the sides are elements that carry over to the interior that has both sea-going and aviation themes. It has four different grilles, with particular attention given to LED lighting in the front, rear, and jeweled elements. Integrated soft-touch door handles are perched near the top of the beltline. 

Lincoln calls the Nautilus interior a “game-changer.” It was created with fine craftsmanship using premium and alluring colors, luxury finishes, and materials. Designers also describe it as a sanctuary that was drawn with ambient lighting to form a wake around the inside that is meant to feel like a private yacht. The coast-to-coast display is the largest in the segment and allows customers to configure the placement and amount of information, and an 11.1-inch center stack touchscreen is also onboard. 

Lincoln says its Rejuvenate multi-sensory experience is the result of recognizing that people are using their vehicles for more than just driving and simply getting from point A to point B but are often using their vehicles as a third space and are sometimes parked and stationary. Research showed that owners are also productive and sometimes use their laptops to read emails and get things done. It’s also a place to escape for a few moments of solitude, to relax, reset, and recharge.

Under the hood is a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine projected to get 250 hp. and 275 lb.-ft. of torque shifted through an eight-speed transmission with selectable drive modes: Normal, Conserve, Slippery, Excite, and Deep Conditions. An available 2.0 hybrid engine is targeted to achieve 310 hp. and comes mated to a CVT with a 100kW motor.

*Lincoln’s updated BlueCruise 1.2* technology brings hands-free driving and includes Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning; it’s compatible with pre-qualified sections of divided highways called Hands-Free Blue Zones that make up more than 130,000 miles of North American roads.